By Lucy Ogalue
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has called for collective commitment to foster Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and address unemployment in the state and the nation.
Radda said this at the Katsina MSMEs Stakeholders Roundtable on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, there is an urgent need for leaders to prioritise MSME development as a strategy for creating job opportunities and alleviating poverty among the youths
“Katsina State’s vision for MSME development is rooted in the belief that a vibrant MSMEs sector is the key to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity.
“We aim to build a dynamic ecosystem where businesses can thrive, innovate, and compete not only locally but globally.
” Our approach is based on creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, facilitating access to finance, fostering skills development, and providing the infrastructure needed to unlock the full potential of our people,” he said.
Radda said that with this vision in mind, he planed on establishing an ecosystem where every small business had the opportunity to grow and every entrepreneur empowered with the right tools.
He, therefore, emphasised the importance for collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure sustainable development.
The governor listed some challenges of MSMEs in the state to include difficulty in accessing finance, limited access to business development service for data, market access, and poor infrastructure, along others.
He said that upon assumption to office, his administration had worked to eliminate most of the challenges.
“This gathering represents a unique opportunity for us to collaborate on innovative solutions and initiatives that will shape the future of small businesses in Katsina.
” Together, we can chart a course towards a brighter, more prosperous future,’” he said.
While commending participants at the event, the governor expressed optimism that the meeting would enable the state to achieve its goals.
“We believe that this approach will ensure a holistic development strategy for Katsina state, allowing us to tackle sector-specific challenges with targeted solutions.
“We recognise that we can not do it alone, and your partnership is crucial to our success.
“Your insights, commitments, and investments will help us achieve our vision of a more prosperous and inclusive Katsina State,” he said.
The Director-General, Katsina State EnterEnterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Hajia Aisha Aminu, said that the roundtable was to enable the state showcase its achievements and seek collaboration for MSME development.
“We believe that sustainable development requires collaboration.
“This event serves as a platform to secure your buy-in, as we believe that your involvement and support will amplify the impact of our ongoing efforts.
” We invite you to be a part of this transformative journey, and to work with us as partners in progress,” she said.
Also, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, while commending the Katsina state governor, expressed the commitment of the ministry to providing the people of the state with affordable homes.
Dangiwa commended the commitment of the state government to MSME , saying it is vital given the role it plays in the society.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer , Nigerian Communication Commission, Aminu Maida, while expressing support to the Katsina state government, said that MSMEs were the backbone of every economy.
Similarly, Alh Kashifu Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency ( NITDA) said that digitisation was critical for MSME development.
“If MSMEs are empowered with digital skills it will boost their efficiency, save cost, expand their businesses and enhance customer engagement.
Mallam Abba Aliyu, Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), expressed his commitment to support electrification of the state.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA